LIMITED EDITION
Shongololo Express proudly introduces their Premier trip into some of the most beautiful and historically rich destinations in
Southern Africa. This unique rail journey takes you to see many of the sights that astounded the 19th century explorer, Dr. David
Livingstone. The route covers 3000 kilometres through north eastern South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania with visits
to Victoria Falls and some of the most beautiful and important game sanctuaries in Africa.

IN THE TRACKS OF DR LIVINGSTONE

NORTHBOUND

15 NIGHTS / 16 DAYS

Johannesburg
PRETORIA
Port Elizabeth
HARARE
Victoria Falls
Chobe
National
Park ZIMBABWE
ZAMBIA
ANGOLA
BOTSWANA
Mossel Bay
MAPUTO
Soweto
LESOTHO
MOZAMBIQUE
KrugerNational
Park
Etosha
National
Park
Swakopmund
WINDHOEK
NAMIBIA
Bloemfontein
CAPE TOWN
Durban
SOUTH AFRICA
Selous
Game
Reserve
TANZANIA
D.R. CONGO
LUSAKA
Mbeya
DAR
ES
SALAAM
Zanzibar
Lake Malawi
Bulawayo
MALAWI
Tour Dates

24 May 06 – 8 June 06

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Nature & Wildlife

Highlights & Leisure

Culture & People

Specialised Activities

PRE DAY – JOHANNESBURG (Tuesday 23 May 2006)

Having a “pre-day” means that one is able to acclimatise and unpack prior to the first day of touring. Specialised
activities that could be undertaken (should vehicles be available to take you) are:

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

1. Apartheid Museum:
Take a powerful emotional journey into South Africa's recent past, by visiting this remarkable museum.

2. Sandton City:
This is truly South Africa’s premier shopping mall, the best of Africa south of the pyramids...

3. Lesedi Cultural Village:
We visit this multi-cultural African Village set among pristine bushveld and rocky hills. Experience the culture of
five of South Africa’s major indigenous tribes: the Xhosa, the Zulu, the Pedi, the Basotho and the Ndebele. Lunch
will be included.

A pre-night on board will include dinner, bed and breakfast.

The train remains stationary at Nasrec Station for the night.
(Transfer from airport 60 km)

DAY 01 – JOHANNEBSURG (Wednesday 24 May 2006)

Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of the Southern African region and home to some of Africa’s greatest cities.
The name of the province is derived from the Sotho word meaning “Place of Gold”, which is very suitable since
much of the wealth of Gauteng has come from this precious metal.

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. Johannesburg: Newtown & Constitution Hill:
We visit Newtown in downtown Johannesburg, identified to be developed into a Cultural Precinct. Here guests
will learn more about Blue IQ, a multi-billion Rand initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government to develop
economic infrastructure for specific major projects in smart industries, high value-added manufacturing and
tourism. We cross the ultra-modern Nelson Mandela Bridge and head towards the Old Fort Prison, now forming
part of the Constitution Hill development, which today houses the country’s highest court. From outside, this old
prison just looks like a hill in the heart of a bustling city suburb. Its history as a prison however dates as far back
as the days of the old Transvaal Republic. As a natural hill it used to be the highest point in the then new-born
city of Johannesburg, so it started its life as a fort, but was soon converted into a notorious prison – the “Robben
Island of Johannesburg”. The Fort is the only prison to have had confined within its walls both Mahatma Ghandi
and Nelson Mandela, the world's major icons of liberation. Having the seat of the Constitution Court built here –
using stones from the old prison – this precinct has become the symbol for turning around the past and creating
a just and equal society.
(Half-day activity; distance travelled: ± 75 km)

The train departs in the early afternoon from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe.

DAY 02 – ON THE RAILS TO SOMABHULA (Thursday 25 May 2006)

We cross Beit Bridge border into Zimbabwe in the early morning, and spend the rest of the day travelling towards
Somabhula. Guests have time to relax and recoup from their long haul flight to South Africa before starting their
exploration of the rest of the subcontinent. Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board. Use
the time and the presence of the experienced tourist guides at hand to inform yourself of the wonders of the
magnificent continent looming in the distance.

The train arrives at Somabhula in the early evening and stays there for the night.

DAY 03 – SOMABHULA (Friday 26 May 2006)

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES
Antelope Park and Nalatale Ruins:

There are two highlights in today’s activities, namely : Walk with Lions in Antelope Park and a visit to Nalatale
Ruins (please note that the total group will be split into two; the first group will walk with lions, then relax in the
park followed by a visit to the ruins before heading back to the train. The second group will do the ruins first

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Nature & Wildlife

Highlights & Leisure

Culture & People

Specialised Activities

followed by some relaxing time in the park, before the walk with lions).

A walk with lions in the wild - This activity takes approximately one and a half hours and offers an amazing photo
opportunity. The long-term project here aims to reintroduce the offspring of captive bred lions into the wild. The
lions accompanying you on walks average between 3 and 15 months of age. No leashes, no collars – the lions
roam free with you through the African bush. You may even be fortunate enough to experience a STALK on some
of the wildlife species, which abound in Antelope Park.
Nalatale Ruins – These ruins boast among some of the best rock paintings in Zimbabwe and are situated close
to Somabhula and Antelope Park. They are a striking example of the country’s Iron Age sites and are dated the
same period as the Great Zimbabwe.

(Full day activity; distance travelled: ± 200 km)

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

1. Canoeing
2. Game Drives
3. Horseback Game Viewing
4. Elephant-back Game viewing
After the return to the train in the early evening, we will depart for Victoria Falls.

DAY 04 – ON THE RAILS TO VICTORIA FALLS (Saturday 27 May 2006)

A full day is spent on the rails again as we progress towards Victoria Falls. Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of
travel) is served on board.

EVENING ACTIVITY
A special bush dinner will await you as a welcome to Victoria Falls.

The train will remain stationary in Victoria Falls for the night.

DAY 05 – VICTORIA FALLS & LIVINGSTONE (Sunday 28 May 2006)

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. The Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe & Zambia):
The Falls form the largest single “curtain” of falling water on earth measuring 1708 m wide. On average the
curtain is 0.92 m deep. The spray plume can rise to 500 m and can be seen from as far as 70 km away. In full
flood, over 550 million litres of water per minute cascade over the brink. Because the Falls are so wide, there
are numerous safe vantage points provided, from where you will be able to get various views of the Falls and the
roiling water as it crashes into the gorge and the constant plume of spray that maintains the Rain Forest. The
forest is an attraction on its own. The trees include Fig, Mahogany, Date Palm, Milkwood and Ebony. The bird
life is also prolific and species that may be seen include the colourful Sunbird and large Trumpeter Hornbill. The
sound of the water can be heard from kilometres away and up close this muted ‘thunder’ becomes a roar.
Guests will cross the Zambezi River over the famous Railroad Bridge. We will first stop at the Zambian side of
Victoria Falls before continuing to the town of Livingstone, named after David Livingstone, the Scottish visionary,
who had an insatiable appetite for exploration and a desire to open Africa to the world. The existence of the Falls
had of course been known to local tribespeople. Livingstone, upon hearing stories about “Mosi oa Tunya” (the
smoke that thunders), arranged to be taken there by dugout canoe. On November 16, 1855 he came to the
northern end of what is now Livingstone Island and from there crawled to the edge of the precipice and beheld
the spectacle of the waterfall for the first time. If time allows, we’ll take a walk through the Muramba market after
visiting the Livingstone Museum.
(Full-day activity; distance travelled: ± 60 km)

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

1. Lunchtime Boat cruise:
This spectacular lunchtime cruise on the Zambezi includes a buffet lunch and drinks.

Guests will meet the train back in Livingstone from where it will depart to Lusaka early the next morning.

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Nature & Wildlife

Highlights & Leisure

Culture & People

Specialised Activities

DAY 06 – ON THE RAILS TO LUSAKA (Monday 29 May 2006)

Today will be spent on the rails through the south of Zambia towards its capital, Lusaka. You’ll be able to see
rural Africa as it passes by – miles and miles of flat landscape dotted with green Mopani trees. The exciting
prospect of deeper, darker Africa looming… Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served on board.

After arrival, the train will remain stationary in Lusaka over night.

DAY 07 – LUSAKA – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK (Tuesday 30 May 2006)

After breakfast you will be transferred to Lusaka Airport for a flight to Mfuwe International Airport inside the South
Luangwa National Park.

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. South Luangwa National Park:
Clients will be split up into different lodges for the night (varying in standard of accommodation) depending on
the booked category on board the train (Ivory, Gold or Emerald). Two days, including an overnight, will be spent
in this, one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of game around the Luangwa River
and its ox bow lagoons is among the most intense in Africa. The Luangwa River, the most intact major river system
in Africa, is the lifeblood of the park's 9 050 km2 There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different
bird species, the only notable exception being the rhino, sadly poached to extinction. You will spend the night
inside the park, allowing you to be part of a wildlife experience like few others.

(Full-day activity; distance travelled: ± 200 km, to Lusaka Airport ± 50km)

The train remains empty in Lusaka, while clients spend the night in South Luangwa National Park.

DAY 08 – SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK (Wednesday 31 May 2006)

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. South Luangwa National Park:
A second morning is spent in this park, framed by the Muchinga escarpment and the mighty Luangwa River. Just
some of the many species that you are likely to encounter here include: Hyena, Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, Buffalo,
Hippo, Zebra, Giraffe, Bushbuck, Common Duiker, Eland, Impala, Puku, Kudu, Reedbuck, Roan, Sable and
Crowned Cranes. Elephant herds can also be encountered . Walking safaris originated in this park, and are one
of the most exciting ways to see the African fauna at close range.
(Half-day activity; distance travelled: ± 120 km, from Lusaka Airport ± 50km)

In the afternoon you will be flown back to Lusaka. The train will depart for Serenje over night.

DAY 09 – SERENJE / LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL / KUNDALILA FALLS (Thursday 1 June 2006)

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. Livingstone Memorial & Kundalila Falls:
After breakfast our journey on the tracks of Dr Livingstone continues to the place where he died on May 4, 1873.
The drive from Serenje, passes Kasanka National Park en route to Livingstone Memorial. Along the way you will
see the creatively decorated houses of the Bemba people. The memorial itself is simply a plaque placed on the
former site of a ‘mupundu’ wild fruit tree under which Dr. Livingstone’s heart was buried. His body was then
wrapped and carried for 1 500 km (over 11 months) to the coast by his dedicated porters Susi and Chuma, from
where it was shipped back to England.
Before returning to the train, we will visit the Kundalila Falls (meaning “Crying Dove”). The Kaombe River falls
70 m here, breaking into thin veils of spray.

(Half-day activity; distance travelled: ± 250 km)

Lunch will be enjoyed on the train in the afternoon, en route to the Tanzanian border before the train arrives late
the next evening in Makambako.

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Nature & Wildlife

Highlights & Leisure

Culture & People

Specialised Activities

DAY 10 – ON THE RAILS TO MAKAMBAKO (Friday 2 June 2006)

The day is spent on board as we journey through the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, and move on to Makambako.
Lunch will be served on board.

DAY 11 – CROSS BORDER / MAKAMBAKO (TANZANIA) (Saturday 3 June 2006)

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. Stone Age Site and afternoon visit to the town of Iringa:
After arrival at Makambako, we will visit the Isimila Stone Age Site near Iringa. East Africa has always been
important for the study of human evolution. It has the longest record of fossil hominids, extending back almost
5 million years. It also has a number of sites, which show that the archaeological or cultural record goes back to

2.5 million years ago. About 20 km south of Iringa, on the main road to Mbeya, some of the richest finds of Stone
Age tools were discovered in 1951. Many fossilised bones were also found in the area, among them those of a
mammal related to the modern giraffe, but having a much shorter neck, as well as an extinct hippopotamus with
unusual periscope-like projections. This is followed by an afternoon in the town of Iringa. The town dates back
to 1896. During the colonial era it was a centre for the German and British settlers, who took up land and started
farming. Today Iringa is a bustling municipality and regional headquarters. Visit a thriving market usually well
stocked with fruit, vegetables, flour, rice, maize etc. Adjacent to the fresh food section, stalls sell locally made
baskets, mats, pots, metal utensils, brooms, brushes and touristy “knickknacks”.
(Full-day activity; distance travelled: ± 250 km)

A Theme Dinner will await you on the train tonight. The night is spent on the stationary train in Makambako,
awaiting daybreak for a scenic daylight train ride.

DAY 12 – SCENIC ESCARPMENT DROP (Sunday 4 June 2006)

This full day train ride will be a highlight, as it includes a spectacular daylight drop off the escarpment and through
the Selous Game Reserve. Apart from the breathtaking views of the awe-inspiring landscape, the train ride through
the reserve will also afford some game viewing opportunities. Lunch (inclusive on this full-day of travel) is served
on board.

The train will arrive at Kisaki Station, close by to Selous Game Reserve, where you will spend the night on board.

DAY 13 – SELOUS (Monday 5 June 2006)

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. Selous Game Reserve:
Selous, covering an area of roughly 50 000 km2 is the largest game reserve in Africa - 4 times the size of the
Serengeti, and almost 6% of Tanzania’s land surface. It possesses a diverse landscape, ranging from hot volcanic
springs to sporadic lakes, channels from the Great Rhaha and Rufiji Rivers. The reserve consists of 43 hunting
blocks and 4 photographic zones for tourists in the north. These photographic zones cover around 2 500 km2
roughly the size of Luxembourg. Selous is famous for Elephant, Hippopotamus and Rhino. Africa’s largest population
of Buffalo can also be found here. Other species include Nyasaland and Brindled Gnu, Hartebeest, Greater Kudu,
Sable Antelope, Eland, Reedbuck, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Warthog, Zebra, Giraffe and Wildebeest. Predators
include Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Hunting Dog. Cheetahs are rare. Over 350 species of bird and reptiles
such as crocodiles, various snakes and lizards as well as 2 000 species of plants are also found in this reserve.
(Full-day activity; distance travelled: ± 120km)

Clients depart the train in the early morning to tour the National Park. Lunch will be provided in the park. Guests
that didn’t select the specialised option, will return to the train that afternoon for overnight on board.

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

1. Walking Safaris
2. Overnight in a lodge inside Selous National park
The train remains stationary at Kisaki Station.

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Nature & Wildlife

Highlights & Leisure

Culture & People

Specialised Activities

DAY 14 – SELOUS / OVERNIGHT TO DAR-ES-SALAAM (Tuesday 6 June 2006)
TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. Selous Game Reserve:
A second full day of game viewing inside the famous Selous Game Reserve is planned, before we return to the
waiting train at Kisaki Station.
(Full-day activity; distance travelled: ± 120 km)
The train departs over night for its final destination, Dar es Salaam.

DAY 15 – DAR ES SALAAM / BAGAMOYO (Wednesday 7 June 2006)

Dar es Salaam (meaning “Haven of Peace”), has Sultan Majid bin Said, the 1860s sultan of Zanzibar, to thank
for its existence. He saw its potential as a deepwater port because of its strategic position at the centre of the
East African coast. The city is an eclectic mix of Swahili, German, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its
colonial past and more recent history. Today it is a bustling seaport at the crossroads of some of the most important
sea routes on the Indian Ocean. A fascinating pastime here is undoubtedly sitting at the water’s edge and being
witness to the diverse vessels navigating the waters of the port – not least of them being the traditional dhows,
going about their business as if there were no huge cruise liners and cargo ships shadowing them.

TODAY’S OFF-RAIL ACTIVITIES

1. Bagamoyo:
Apart from having once been a slave and ivory port, this closest mainland town to the island of Zanzibar, was once
also the terminus for caravans from the interior. The meaning of the name is twofold, with caravan porters first
calling it “bwaga moyo” (Swahili for “Throw off Melancholy”). However, as a terminus for the slave trade the words
changed to “baga moyo” (“Throw down your Heart”) – despair expressed by those captured as slaves, as they
faced a long and uncertain future. Interesting historical sites which can be visited include the Bomani (German
Colonial Administration Headquarters), the Bagamoyo Museum (which also houses the small chapel where Dr
David Livingstone’s remains were laid before taken to Zanzibar to be shipped to England) and the German Graveyard.
The first church on the East Coast of Africa also stands here, as well as 15 mosques and many exciting Arabic
and Indian buildings – of particular interest those with old Suaheli wooden carved doors – once marks of status
and wealth, but very scarce and mostly in very bad condition today.

(Full-day activity; distance travelled: ± 144km)

The train remains stationary in Dar es Salaam.

DAY 16 – TRANSFER DAY PLUS POST-TOUR DAYS

After breakfast you can stay on board till the time of your airport transfer (depending on the flight organised by
you), or we will transport you to the starting point of your specialised activity, which we’ll be happy to help you
organise.

Transfer to airport 60 km

SPECIALISED ACTIVITIES

1. Zanzibar:
For such a small island, Zanzibar is steeped in history. From ancient Arab and Persian immigrants to bloody wars
and revolutions, Zanzibar has always been in the thick of these and depicts many stories.

2. Kilimanjaro:
Crowned by an eternal snowcap, Mt. Kilimanjaro is situated inside the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania; it
is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain on earth.

3. Serengeti:
Home to nearly every species of African animal, the Crater offers breathtaking views and a chance to see an
incredible concentration of East African mammals.

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IMPORTANT PREPARATIONS AND THINGS TO NOTE

All visas to be finalised before the start of the journey
Malaria prophylactics are essential
Yellow-fever inoculations to be taken
Warm clothing to be packed for cold winter nights and mornings
Raincoats to be packed as well
Sunscreen and hats are highly recommended
Fancy Dress Clothing for a Theme Dinner on board
Pre-day arrival highly recommended in order not to miss out part or all of the activities on Day 1; Northbound
departure will be early afternoon, so if you only arrive on Day 1, it will have to be no later than 11am.

Services included:

16 Days itinerary conducted from the Shongololo Express Heritage Train, travelling from Johannesburg to Dar Es
Salaam

14 Overnights on board the Shongololo Express Heritage Train.

1 overnight in the South Luangwa National Park

Accommodation in different compartment types (Ivory, Gold or Emerald)

Daily dinner and breakfasts/brunches

All “Off-Rail” Activities, including entrance fees where applicable

Airport taxes and return flights between Lusaka and South Luangwa National Park

Tourism Levy

Services not included:

All other flights (international, regional or domestic) and airport taxes
Porterage
Lunches
Tips to on-board staff (Recommendation: ± USD 10 per person per day spent on board)
Travel and medical insurance
Visa fees (where applicable)
Personal expenses such as drinks, curios, laundry
Specialised activities
Pre-night on board the train

We hope that you will have had an unforgettable journey with us, following in the tracks of Dr Livingstone. We
hope to welcome you back on board the Shongololo Express for another exciting adventure soon.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE PROGRAMME IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTIFICATION DUE TO
THE NATURE OF THE DESTINATIONS.

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